USA > Minnesota > Wabasha County > History of Wabasha County, Minnesota > Part 50
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HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY
Eben Hurd, who in former years was actively engaged as a farmer in Watopa and Plainview townships, successively, but is now deceased, was a native of New England, having been born in the state of Maine, March 1, 1841. He married Hattie Stillings, who was born in the same state, August 6, 1847. In 1867 they came west to Wabasha County, Minn., and bought 80 acres of wild land in Watopa Township, which Mr. Hurd broke, cleared and cultivated, and on which he and his family resided for several years, at the end of that time removing to a farm of 160 acres in the vicinity. Their new place was partly improved, and Mr. Hurd subsequently carried the improvements to a high point, building up a fine farm. Later he bought 50 acres more of adjoining land. That place continued to be the home of the family until 1903, in which year they rented it out to a tenant and bought and moved to what was known as the Pickett farm in Plainview Township. After an active career of five years more on the last mentioned place, Eben Hurd passed away in June, 1908. His wife survived him until March 14, 1914. They had two children: George E., born October 23, 1863; and Carrie Belle, born March 22, 1872. The latter is now the wife of George Burnham, of Olmsted County.
George E. Hurd, now living retired in the Village of Plainview after an active career of many years as a farmer, was born in Burnett, Me., October 23, 1863, son of Eben and Hattie (Stillings) Hurd. He was a child of but two or three years when he accompanied his parents to Wabasha County, Minn., and his education was acquired here in the district schools. Brought up on the farm, he early became useful to his father, while he ultimately worked in partnership, and after the father's death in 1908 he continued to operate the place until the death of the mother, in March, 1914, at which time he retired from active work and took up his residence in Plainview. During his active career he followed diversified farming, and being a good, practical agricul- turist, the place throve under his hands and proved profitable. Mr. Hurd was united in the bonds of matrimony April 14, 1909, to Lena Moldenhaur, who was born in Woodland Township, April 24, 1885, daughter of August and Amelia (Klaveter) Moldenhaur. Her parents were natives of Germany who settled in Olmsted County, where they engaged in farming, and where Mr. Moldenhaur died July 8, 1911. He was survived by his wife, who is still living on the farm. Their children were Minnie, Emma, Lena, Ida, and Ervin, all of whom are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Hurd are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have a large acquaintance in Plainview and the surrounding country, and belong to that class of people in the village whom it is a pleasure to meet.
Robert R. Jacobs, proprietor of the White Front restaurant and ice cream parlor, the leading establishment of its kind in Plainview, was born in Ger- many, October 17, 1874, son of William and Wilhelmina (Dettbaren) Jacobs. The parents, who came to the United States in 1890, engaged in farming in New Hartford Township, Winona County, Minn., where the father died in 1904. The mother is still living on the old home farm. Robert R. Jacobs acquired his ele- mentary schooling in his native land, and also for a few months attended an English school after coming to this country. He remained on the home farm until 1908, in which year he bought a farm in Dakota Valley, Winona County. This he conducted for two years, at the end of that time selling out and moving to Wabasha, where he engaged in the restaurant business. After six months, however, he had to give it up on account of his wife's illness, but soon after purchased the hotel at Kellogg, which he conducted until 1912. He then sold the hotel and coming to Plainview purchased his present restaurant and ice cream parlors. In this business he has been entirely successful. The place is conducted on a modern and sanitary basis, everything being neat and clean, and the food homecooked. In connection with that part of the business already mentioned, he handles a full line of pipes, cigars, cigarettes, tobacco and con- fectionery, and is in the enjoyment of a large patronage. In December, 1912, Mr. Jacobs bought the building which he occupies for business purposes, and
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also a good, modern residence adjoining it on the west. His business block is a frame structure of two stories and basement, and presents a neat and well- kept appearance. Enterprising and far-sighted, he has taken his place among the successful men of the village, and is respected as a useful and progressive citizen. His religious affiliations are with the Lutheran church. Mr. Jacobs was married in October, 1902, to Emma Rellig, who was born at La Crosse, Wis. He and his wife have been the parents of three children: Paul, born June 20, 1903, who is a student in the Plainview high school, and in his spare time assists his father in the business; and Emil and Adolph, who both died in infancy.
Warner Whitney Freer, one of those sturdy pioneers who found their way to the Upper Mississippi region in the early days and settled on that rich stretch of land now known as Greenwood Prairie, was a familiar figure through- out this region for some six decades, and took his full share in its growth and development. A man of broad and tolerant views and of genuine goodness of character, he was a friend beloved by all. His always pleasant and genial disposition, with kind words for all, endeared him to all, young and old alike, and his presence was always an inspiration. He was held in high regard by three generations and his life was a part of the community's history. Warner W. Whitney was born on a farm in Seneca County, N. Y., June 17, 1828, the son of William and Mabel (Whitney) Freer, and descended from substantial stock on both sides of the house. As a boy he moved with his parents to Trum- bull County, Ohio, and there he was reared to manhood, and married. In 1856 they determined to come to Wabasha County, and locate on Greenwood Prairie, where several friends had preceded them. Crossing the state of Illinois by rail, they reached Galena, and there boarded the old "War Eagle" for the trip up the Mississippi. They disembarked at Winona for a few hours, and then continued up the river to Wabasha, where they landed their goods. From there they made the trip to Greenwood Prairie by ox team. Arriving here, they began, under the most primitive circumstances, to establish their home, enduring many hardships, but meeting all discouragements with staunch hearts and undaunted faith and fortitude. After the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in the First Minnesota Battery, Light Artillery, with which organization he first went to Ft. Snelling and then to Memphis, Tenn., where he remained for some two years. After his discharge he returned to Greenwood Prairie, and for several years continued to develop his farm. In 1869 he moved to Plainview, and here established the first dray line. His one-horse dray, drawn by a handsome sorrel mare, with the proprietor himself calling greetings to farmers and villagers alike, and smiling indulgently on the small boys who sought free rides, consti- tuted a sight which was a part of the daily life of Plainview, and one that will be long remembered. In 1900 he retired. The afternoon years of his life were spent with his son, J. W. Freer, of Winona, and his daughter, Mrs. G. E. Crossman, of Wessington, S. D. He died at the home of the latter November 25, 1917, and is laid at rest in Plainview, among his old associates. Mr. Freer was married at Warren, Ohio, December 8, 1853, to Lucy Maria Bowen, of that place. This union was blessed with seven children: Jennie, wife of George E. Crossman, of Wessington, S. D .; Effie, wife of Henry D. Wedge, of Plainview; J. W., of Winona; May, wife of E. G. Dodge, of Santa Barbara, Calif .; Grace, wife of G. W. Smith, of St. Paul; Hortense, wife of W. J. Thompson, of Orting, Wash .; and Jeanette, who died at 18 years of age. Mrs. Freer died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Crossman, in Wessington, S. D., six weeks after her husband, by whose side she is laid to rest.
Henry D. Wedge, for many years one of the leading agriculturists of Green- wood Prairie, was a man whose life is inseparably woven into the warp and woof of the story of the material progress of the southern part of Wabasha County. Descended from sturdy stock, possessed of an excellent education, and endowed with a capacity for hard work coupled with a full measure of good
MR. AND MRS. HENRY D. WEDGE
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judgment and shrewdness, he easily took a commanding position among his fellow men, and richly deserved the full measure of success that fell to his lot. Agricultural pursuits were to him a labor of love as well as a means of livli- hood, he loved his broad acres, he gave understanding care to his stock, he took delight in growing things, his home was his pride, and the streams and forests, with their fish and wild life had for him a never diminishing attraction. He was rich in friendships and in the respect of his associates, and his loss to the community was one that will not readily be filled. Henry Dwight Wedge was born in Warren, Litchfield County, Conn., June 21, 1839, a son of Horatio and Lovisa (Smalley) Wedge. He was but five years of age when his parents came to Wisconsin, locating in the Town of Chester, in Dodge County. There he was reared to agricultural pursuits. After passing through the rural schools, he took advanced courses in the Waupon high school, thus preparing himself for the occupation of teacher which he followed successfully for several terms. Soon after reaching his majority he spent several years in Missouri. In the meantime his father had acquired considerable land on Greenwood Prairie, in this county. Upon a portion of this land, in section 19, Plainview Township, Mr. Wedge took up his permanent home in 1861. Here he lived and labored and wrought for many years, acquiring in time 700 acres of some of the best land on the Prairie. In 1879 he erected a beautiful brick residence, which has since remained as one of the landmarks of the township. In 1892 after a worthy life of hard work, he retired from the more arduous duties of farm labor, and moved to the City of Plainview, there to spend the afternoon of life surrounded by the comforts which his decades of strenuous effort so richly deserved. Here he was able to indulge to the full his enjoyment of the com- panionship of friends and his love for the out of doors, spending much of his time in the open amid the scenes of nature which he loved so well. He died May 12, 1918, and his death was sincerely mourned as a distinct loss to the community. In public, as well as in private life, he had done his full duty as a man and as a citizen. For many years he had given freely of his time and ability as a public official of the township, and in the session of 1879 he did good service to the state as a member of the Minnesota Legislature. He had also served on numerous delegations and committees, and throughout his life here stood for everything that was for intelligent progress and the public wel- fare. Mr. Wedge was married January 23, 1863, to Helen L. Loveland, daugh- ter of C. L. Loveland, of Dodge County, Wis. Of the children of this union, there are now living, three: Eugene, Herbert and Minnie. Eugene lives in Plainview; Herbert lives in Wessington, S. D .; and Minnie is the wife of M. E. Callender, of Seattle, Wash. Mrs. Helen L. Wedge died April 20, 1892. March 11, 1894, Mr. Wedge married Mrs. Effie (Freer) Hibner, who was born at Plain- view, June 21, 1857, daughter of Warner Whitney and Lucy Maria (Bowman) Freer. She makes her home in the family residence in Plainview. Mr. Wedge was a Past Master of the Masonic lodge and was buried with the rites of that body.
A. C. Woodcock, head of the firm of A. C. Woodcock & Son, of Plainview, engaged in two important lines of business as dealers in seeds and oil, was born in the Town of DeKalb, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., February 7, 1863, son of C. F. and Ruth (Burton) Woodcock. The parents spent their lives as farmers in New York State. The father, born in Morristown, in February, 1833, died in September, 1914. The mother, who was born in the Town of De- Kalb, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., in August, 1843, died in June, 1918. A. C. Woodcock was educated in the public schools of his native town, and was trained to agriculture on the parental homestead, where he grew to manhood. He remained with his parents until 26 years of age, coming west in January, 1889, and first locating in Michigan. However, his stay there was brief, as in April the same year he made his appearance in Plainview, Wabasha County. Here he found employment for six months at farm labor, but having ambitions
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in the direction of a business career apart from agriculture, he accepted a posi- tion in the Hotel Plainview, and was there employed for about two years. He then bought a dray business in Plainview, which he sold out three years later to engage in the grocery and clothing business with H. K. Oliverson for six years, then in the farm machinery business, which he followed for two seasons. Always on the lookout for better opportunities, he next became a contractor for cement walks and walls, and in that line conducted a successful business for 15 years, during which period, and for two years longer, he also followed truck farming on an 18-acre tract that he had purchased within the village limits. In this connection it is worthy of note that one man, Henry Sexton, has been in his employ continuously for that length of time and is still with him. In 1915 Mr. Woodcock purchased the Burchard seed business and warehouse, and at that time took into partnership his son, Warren F., who has since been a member of the firm, A. C. Woodcock & Son. In the fall of 1918 they purchased a 30-acre tract, a part of the J. J. Butts property, within the corporation limits, and this land is now used by them for truck farming. A later addition to their interests is the oil business, into which they entered September 6, 1919, pur- chasing a full equipment, including a large team tank, and two auto-truck tanks for road purposes, and having storage tanks for 40,000 gallons of gasoline. In these several lines of industry the firm is prospering under wise and enterpris- ing management, and has, to all appearances, a bright and promising future. For four years Mr. Woodcock was a member of the board of education of Plain- view. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, has been a member of the Odd Fel- lows' order for 20 years, and also belongs to the Independent Order of Forest- ers. Mr. Woodcock was married May 20, 1891, to Susie Wahler, daughter of Frederick B. and Wilhelmina (Neiheeser) Wahler, of Plainview, and who for nearly 29 years has been his faithful helpmate.
The have one child, Warren F., who was born April 4, 1892. Graduated from the Plainview high school in the class of 1911, he entered Hamline University that fall, and was graduated therefrom in the class of 1915. As already mentioned he is now his father's partner in business. On June 10, 1915, he was married to Gale Lutz. Mr. Woodcock and his family are affiliated religiously with the Methodist Episcopal church. They are people of high standing in Plainview and the vicinity, and have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
Frederick B. Wahler, a Minnesota pioneer now living in Plainview, is a man who has had an extensive experience along agricultural lines and as a de- veloper of farm land, beginning in early days when practically all the land was wild and required years of hard labor to bring it into a fertile and pro- ductive condition. He was born in Saratoga, Germany, March 31, 1831, son of John F. Wahler, a farmer. His mother, whose maiden name was Dorothea. Rohrbach, died when he was a few months old. In 1853 he accompanied his father to America, settling near Lomira, Dodge County, where they engaged in farming, and where the'father died in 1883. Frederick B. Wahler came to Minnesota in 1856, at first locating in Winona County, where he remained seven years, working school lands near Centerville. In 1863 he come to Wabasha County and bought 160 acres in Plainview Township, remaining on the tract for two years making improvements, and following general farming. Then he sold the farm and removed to the village, but continued to make investments in farms and farm lands, operating them from the village, and owning at one time 420 acres. On three of the places thus purchased he made valuable improve- ments. In 1876 he gave up general agriculture and purchased a residence in the village, where he has since made his home. At the time of his retirement he owned 300 acres of fine arable land, but subsequntly disposed of it, with the exception of six acres in town. His possessions were accumulated by hard work and his prosperity has been well earned. For one year Mr. Wahler for- merly served as supervisor, and for 18 years was road master. He was married, July 6, 1856, at Lomira, Wis., to Wilhelmina Neiheeser, who was born in West-
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phalen, Germany, in 1833. Their married life extended over a period of 57 years, or until her death on August 18, 1913, and was marked by joys and sor- rows, but with a predominant note of happiness. In 1906 they celebrated their Golden Wedding, which was the happy occasion for a large home gathering, 20 relatives from Wisconsin being present, besides others. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wahler were as follows: Adeline, May 19, 1857; Henry, October 3, 1860; Susie, June 15, 1863; and Inez R., September 29, 1874. Adeline married Henry Stadon, of Minneapolis, who is now deceased. She has one child, Harry, who is a grain buyer for several large mills. Henry died at the age of three years, October 14, 1863. Susie is now the wife of A. C. Woodcock, of Plain- view, and has one son, Warren F., born April 4, 1892. Inez R. is the wife of Dr. L. C. Stocking, of St. Louis, and has two daughters, Mildred and Lois. Mr. Wahler is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Clarence L. Waterman, who after varied experiences and extensive travel, is now conducting a profitable truck farming business at Plainview, was born at Orange, Vt., July 19, 1862, son of Newell and Sylvia (Melendy) Waterman. Both parents were natives of Vermont, in which state they followed agriculture during their entire active period. The father died in 1888, and the mother in July, 1918. Clarence L. was educated in district and select schools, in the lat- ter taking a commercial course. After attaining his majority in 1883, he left home and coming west to Wabasha County, Minnesota, located in Plainview, where for one year he was employed as clerk in the Lawton Bros.' grocery store. He then returned to Vermont and remained there a year, after which he spent one year in New Mexico. His next move was to return to Plainview, where he secured a position in the Plainview hotel and was thus occupied for two years. Then he again went to Vermont, where he was present at his father's death, and subsequently farmed there from the spring of 1888 to 1891. North Dakota now attracted him, and there he spent some years, the first two as second man in an elevator, then becoming grain buyer at Merrifield, that state, afterwards spending one year for the Brooks Bros. in their elevator. Subsequently he worked a year for the Duluth Elevator Co., after which he came back again to Plainview. Here for five years he conducted a lunch room and pool hall, which he then sold, buying a farm of 160 acres, the northeast quarter of section 22, Plainview Township. Two years later he sold that farm and again went to Vermont, where he spent one year. Then he returned to Minnesota, and for one season was employed as grain buyer for a firm at Kennedy. In 1907 he once more appeared in Plainview, on which occasion he purchased his present farm of 13 acres within the village limits, where he has since been profitably en- gaged in the truck raising industry, his principal crops being cabbages, onions and potatoes. He has now established himself as one of the permanent resi- dents of the village, of which he is a prominent citizen, and for five years he was a member of the village council. Fraternally he is affiliated wth the Masons, including Illustrious Lodge No. 63; Winona Consistory No. 4; Asmo Temple, M. S., at St. Paul; also with the Odd Fellows, Independent Order of Foresters and the Yeomen, while he and his wife are both members of the East- ern Star Chapter. Mr. Waterman was married March 2, 1908, to Jennie L. Hanson Seaver, who was born in Corinth, Orange County, Vt., November 28, 1871, daughter of Benjamin M. and Rebecca M. (Lucas) Hanson. The father was a native of Lowell, Mass., and the mother of Corinth, Vt., in which latter state they were prominent farmers. Both are now deceased, the father having passed away in August, 1890, and the mother in March, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Waterman have no children of their own, but have an adopted son, Howard C. Dick, who was born March 22, 1899, and whom they have reared and educated. He served in the world war from February 22, 1918, to May 17, 1919, being a member of the Eighth Balloon Company, First Army, A. E. F., and was at the front from August, 1918, until the signing of the armistice, November 11, that year.
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Walter H. Whitcomb, D. V. S., who has been successfully engaged in vet- erinary practice in Plainview for the last 17 years, was born in Rochester, Olm- sted County, Minn., August 28, 1879, son of Edward and Sophia (Harris) Whit- comb. The parents were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and New York State, the father being a brick manufacturer by occupation. In the early six- ties they settled in Rochester, Minn., where Edward Whitcomb established a large brick plant, for many years furnishing brick for the erection of most of the business blocks and public buildings, besides some of the residences, in Rochester and the vicinity. This business he carried on until his death in 1910. His wife is still living in Rochester. Walter H. Whitcomb was educated in the public schools of Rochester and at Darling's Business College there. In 1900 he entered the medical department of the Cottner University at Lincoln, Neb., where he studied medicine for one year. Then in 1901 he entered the Western Veterinary College at Kansas City, and after a course of two years was grad- uated in 1903. In the same year he came to Plainview and entered on the prac- tice of his profession, and since then has built up a large patronage, and a fine reputation as a first class veterinary surgeon, having a competent knowledge of his profession in all its branches, and a complete equipment. In 1910 he built his hospital, which is scientifically arranged and provided with all neces- sary instruments for the treatment of animal disorders; and in 1914 he erected a fine residence on Jefferson street, where he has since made his home with his family. He is past master in Illustrious Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at Plainview, and a member of the Consistory at Winona, and the Mystic Shrine at St. Paul. Dr. Whitcomb was married June 26, 1907, to Ida M. Nunaamaker, who was born in Plainview, Minn. The issue of this union are two children: Beatrice, born February 21, 1908, and Thomas, born March 31, 1909.
Lyman Washburn, a pioneer of Plainview Township, long since passed away, was a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., born May 9, 1820. He married Esther Amaret Doan, who was born in the same county May 15, 1820. Emi- grating to the Northwest, they made their home for a while in Dodge County, Wis. In 1855 they set out for Wabasha County, Minn., with six children under 14 years of age, traveling with an ox-team, ferrying the Mississippi river at La Crescent, and arriving in the county June 14 as members of a party, some of whom did not remain here. Those who did were Zack Williams, Ben Pickett, Mr. Miner, with his family, and the Washburns. Mr. Washburn took the south- west quarter of section 3, Plainview Township, preempting the land. After he had proved up the property he found that it was on the Half Breed Tract, and in order not to lose it, he had to buy scrip. He, had not been long in the new country, when, needing flour, he took his ox-team and wagon, and went across the prairie, through valleys, fording streams, and surveying his own route to Winona. He was gone four days and brought back two barrels of flour, for which he gave $20 a barrel; also other supplies. His route became practically the same valley road used today. One of Mr. Washburn's first tasks was to build a house, for which he used hewed rafters and hand-shaved shingles, which he himself prepared. He was not long permitted to enjoy the fruits of his labor, as in September, 1859, he was called away by death, leaving his wife and seven children, the eldest of whom, Gardner Selden, was then 17 years old. Mrs. Washburn continued to reside on the farm until 1889, when she moved to Plainview. There she subsequently died in her eighty-sixth year. Their chil- dren were: Gardner Selden, who died in 1889; Esther A. (Mrs. T. Parr), who did in 1883; Helena C. (Mrs. E. L. Burtin), of Dodge Center; H. T. Washburn, of South Dakota; F. D. Washburn, of Plainview, Minn., and James B. Wash- burn, who went to Wagon Mound, N. M., and died in 1919.
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